Page 64 of Betrayed

And beautiful.

A soft smile played on her slightly parted lips, giving her an angelic appearance. Gone was the fear of being threatened. Gone was the stress of trying to please everyone. Gone was the anger at having her world turned upside down.

Because I was staring, I saw when her lips turned down and her hand twitched. The soft, angelic features twisted into fear. She started whimpering before I had time to take the two steps needed to reach the couch and sit down beside her.

Should I wake her?

Her head rolled back and forth as more whimpers escaped her lips.

I couldn’t let her suffer. Not wanting to freak her out, I gently shook her shoulders. “Blake, wake up. It’s only a dream.”

She screamed as she jerked awake; her eyes the size of saucers.

My heart shredded as I watched her head whip from side to side, fear radiating off her as she tried to get her bearings with unfocused eyes.

When I find the guy responsible for this, I’ll tear his fucking head off his fucking body with my bare fucking hands.

As I unclenched my back teeth, I lifted her chin until she looked at me. “Blake, sweetheart, it’s okay. You’re okay. It was just a dream.” I did a remarkable impression of sounding like someone who didn’t want to commit murder.

Her desperation-filled eyes locked on mine, her chest wasn’t moving.

Shit.

“Blake, sweetheart, I need you to breathe,” I begged as I held her shoulders, offering what little comfort I could.

Her eyes found mine. “AJ?” her hopeful voice squeaked as she sucked in air.

Thank God.“It’s me, I’m here.

“Where am I?” Her eyes swept the lackluster room before staring blankly at the rom-com still playing on the TV.

“You’re in the safe house.”

Her body shook with her deep inhale. She turned her head slowly and looked at me before exhaling with a sob.

“It’s okay.” I took her hand and gently tugged her towards me, wrapping the other arm around her shoulders as I pulled her into my chest.

She didn’t hesitate to curl into me.

I can’t risk loving her, but I can comfort her.

Holding her tight against my chest, I let her cry.

And protect her.

Her tears soaked through my thin t-shirt, warming my skin while chilling my soul. I held her tighter, supporting her the only way I knew how.

“I’m right here, Sweetheart, and I swear to you, I won’t let anyone hurt you.” I made a vow I knew I shouldn’t. Nothing was guaranteed in our line of work.

“It’s okay, let it all out,” I whispered into her hair before kissing the top of her head.

Sweetheart?

Kissing her.

I was truly, completely, one-hundred percent, absolutely fucked.

Chapter 32

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